Magnetic shift register memory device

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, the invention is a magnetic shift register memory device. One embodiment of a memory cell includes a magnetic column including a plurality of magnetic domains, a reader coupled to the magnetic column, for reading data from the magnetic domains, a temporary memory for storing data read from the magnetic domains, and a writer coupled to the magnetic column, for writing data in the temporary memory to the magnetic domains.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/957,937, filed Aug. 2, 2013, which in turn is a division of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/431,185, filed Mar. 27, 2012, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/168,379, filed Jul. 7, 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,228,706). All of these applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

REFERENCE TO GOVERNMENT FUNDING

This invention was made with Government funding under Contract No. H94003-05-2-0505, awarded by the Department of Defense. The Government has certain rights in this invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to digital data storage, and relates more particularly magnetic shift register memory.

Magnetic shift register memory that utilizes the manipulation of magnetic domains to store digital data has been proposed to potentially replace magnetic disc storage and even solid state non-volatile memory (e.g. flash memory). By stringing tens, or even hundreds, of magnetic domains (each domain representing one bit of digital data) along a shift register column (i.e., a magnetic column), the magnetic shift register memory efficiently uses the third dimension on the semiconductor chip to increase storage density and reduce cost per bit.

To perform read/write operations, a selected magnetic domain (as determined by address inputs of the memory) must be moved adjacent to a read/write device. Additional space (referred to as “reservoirs”) must be allocated above and below the data section of the magnetic column in order to prevent data loss due to overflow as the entire train of domains moves up and down the magnetic column.

Conventional magnetic shift register memory requires electrical current in the range of one to ten miliamperes to move a magnetic domain. Since the resistivities of common magnetic alloys are in the range of ten to fifty micro-ohm-centimeters, a considerable voltage drop results across the magnetic column during moving operations. This limits the number of domains that can be moved in a single move operation (i.e., by a single application of electrical current).

Moreover, conventional magnetic shift register memory requires at least three semiconductor switches per magnetic column: a first switch to selectively read one bit, a second switch to selectively write one bit, and a third switch to move the magnetic domains along the magnetic column so that any particular bit is accessible for read/write operations. Since writing and moving both involve electrical currents on the order of miliamperes, at least two of these three switches will occupy substantial area in the magnetic shift register memory. Thus, a significant amount of space that could otherwise be dedicated to data storage (i.e., to magnetic domains) is occupied by the semiconductor components, and the storage density of the magnetic shift register memory cannot reach its full potential.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a method and apparatus for a magnetic shift register memory device with improved storage density.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the invention is a magnetic shift register memory device. One embodiment of a memory cell includes a magnetic column consisting of a plurality of magnetic domains, a reader coupled to the magnetic column, for reading data from the magnetic domains, a temporary memory for storing data read from the magnetic domains, and a writer coupled to the magnetic column, for writing data in the temporary memory to the magnetic domains.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a third embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fifth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sixth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a seventh embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a eighth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a ninth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a tenth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a eleventh embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a twelfth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a thirteenth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fourteenth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fifteenth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sixteenth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a seventeenth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device, according to the present invention; and

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating a eighteenth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, the present invention is a magnetic shift register memory device with improved storage density. Embodiments of the present invention eliminate the need for large reservoirs in the magnetic columns, thereby enabling more efficient movement of magnetic domains. Further embodiments of the invention reduce the number of semiconductor switches per column required to perform read/write operations, thereby improving storage density.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device 100, according to the present invention. As illustrated, the device 100 comprises a magnetic column 102 (containing a plurality of magnetic domains), a temporary memory (e.g., cache memory) 104, a reader 106, a writer 108, and a semiconductor device 110.

The reader 106 and writer 108 are positioned together at a first end of the magnetic column 102, while the semiconductor device 110 is positioned at an opposite second end of the magnetic column 102.

In operation, the semiconductor device 110 moves a selected magnetic domain up the magnetic column 102 for access (i.e., moving toward the reader 106 and writer 108), as indicated by the arrow 112. The reader 106 then reads the state of a selected magnetic domain before the selected magnetic domain is moved beyond the “available” position of the magnetic column 102 and is lost. The state of the selected magnetic domain is then stored in the temporary memory 104, which is of equal or larger storage capacity than the magnetic column 102.

After the selected magnetic domain is accessed, the domain movement is reversed by the semiconductor device 110 (i.e., moving away from the reader 106 and writer 108), as indicated by the arrow 114. The data in the temporary memory 104 is written back onto the magnetic column 102 by the writer 108, thereby restoring the original content of the magnetic column 102, with the bit information in the accessed magnetic domain either also restored or else rewritten to a new intended data state if so required by a desired cell write operation.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device 200, according to the present invention. As illustrated, the device 200 comprises a magnetic column 202 (containing a plurality of magnetic domains), a temporary memory (e.g., cache memory) 204, a reader 206, a writer 208, and a semiconductor device 210.

The reader 206 and writer 208 are positioned together at a first end of the magnetic column 202. In contrast to the device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, the semiconductor device 210 is also positioned at the first end of the magnetic column 202 (i.e., at the same end as the reader 206 and writer 208).

In operation, the semiconductor device 210 moves a selected magnetic domain down the magnetic column 202 for access (i.e., moving toward the reader 206 and writer 208), as indicated by the arrow 212. The reader 206 then reads the state of a selected magnetic domain before the selected magnetic domain is moved beyond the “available” position of the magnetic column 202 and is lost. The state of the selected magnetic domain is then stored in the temporary memory 204, which is of equal or larger storage capacity than the magnetic column 202.

After the selected magnetic domain is accessed, the domain movement is reversed by the semiconductor device 210 (i.e., moving away from the reader 206 and writer 208), as indicated by the arrow 214. The data in the temporary memory 204 is written back onto the magnetic column 202 by the writer 208, thereby restoring the original content of the magnetic column 202, with the bit information in the accessed magnetic domain either also restored or else rewritten to a new intended data state if so required by a desired cell write operation.

The configuration of the devices 100 and 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 advantageously eliminates or reduces the need for reservoirs, which add length to the magnetic columns in conventional magnetic shift register memory devices. This reduction in magnetic column length allows a greater number of magnetic domains to be moved along the magnetic column in a single move operation (i.e., by a single application of electrical current).

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a third embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device 300, according to the present invention. As illustrated, the device 300 comprises a magnetic column 302 (containing a plurality of magnetic domains), a reader 306, a writer 308, and a semiconductor device 310.

The writer 308 and the semiconductor device 310 are positioned together at a first end of the magnetic column 302, while the reader 306 is positioned at an opposite second end of the magnetic column 302.

In operation, the semiconductor device 310 moves a selected magnetic domain up the magnetic column 302 for access (i.e., moving toward the reader 306), as indicated by the arrow 312. The reader 306 then reads the state of a selected magnetic domain before the selected magnetic domain is moved beyond the “available” position of the magnetic column 302 and is lost.

After the selected magnetic domain is accessed, the data is written back at the opposite end of the magnetic column 302 by the writer 308, so that data moves in a substantially circular manner (as indicated by the arrow 314) as the magnetic domains are moved to access the selected magnetic domain. After the selected magnetic domain has been accessed, the movement of the magnetic domains can be continued until one full period of movement has been completed, thereby restoring the original content of the magnetic column 302, with the bit information in the accessed magnetic domain either also restored or else rewritten to a new intended data state if so required by a desired cell write operation.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device 400, according to the present invention. As illustrated, the device 400 comprises a magnetic column 402 (containing a plurality of magnetic domains), a reader 406, a writer 408, and a semiconductor device 410.

The reader 406 and the semiconductor device 410 are positioned together at a first end of the magnetic column 402, while the writer 408 is positioned at an opposite second end of the magnetic column 402.

In operation, the semiconductor device 410 moves a selected magnetic domain down the magnetic column 402 for access (i.e., moving toward the reader 406), as indicated by the arrow 412. The reader 406 then reads the state of a selected magnetic domain before the selected magnetic domain is moved beyond the “available” position of the magnetic column 402 and is lost.

After the selected magnetic domain is accessed, the data is written back at the opposite end of the magnetic column 402 by the writer 408, so that data moves in a substantially circular manner (as indicated by the arrow 414) as the magnetic domains are moved to access the selected magnetic domain. After the selected magnetic domain has been accessed, the movement of the magnetic domains can be continued until one full period of movement has been completed, thereby restoring the original content of the magnetic column 402, with the bit information in the accessed magnetic domain either also restored or else rewritten to a new intended data state if so required by a desired cell write operation.

Similar to the devices 100 and 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the configuration of the devices 300 and 400 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 advantageously eliminates or reduces the need for reservoirs, which add length to the magnetic columns in conventional magnetic shift register memory devices. This reduction in magnetic column length allows a greater number of magnetic domains to be moved along the magnetic column in a single move operation (i.e., by a single application of electrical current). Moreover, the devices 300 and 400 confer the additional advantage of not requiring temporary memory to cache data.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fifth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device 500, according to the present invention. As illustrated, the device 500 comprises a magnetic column 502 (containing a plurality of magnetic domains), a first reader 506 a, a second reader 506 b, a first writer 508 a, a second writer 508 b, and a semiconductor device 510.

The first reader 506 a, the first writer 508 a, and the semiconductor device 510 are positioned together at a first end of the magnetic column 502, while the second reader 506 b and the second writer 508 b are positioned at an opposite second end of the magnetic column 502.

In operation, the semiconductor device 510 moves a selected magnetic domain up or down the magnetic column 502 for access (i.e., moving toward either the first reader 506 a or the second reader 506 b), as indicated by the arrow 512. The first reader 506 a or the second reader 506 b then reads the state of a selected magnetic domain before the selected magnetic domain is moved beyond the “available” position of the magnetic column 502 and is lost.

After the selected magnetic domain is accessed, the data is written back at the opposite end of the magnetic column 502 by the second writer 508 b or the first writer 508 a (i.e., whichever writer is positioned at the opposite end of the magnetic column 502 from the reader that read the selected magnetic domain), so that data moves in a substantially circular manner (as indicated by the arrow 514) as the magnetic domains are moved to access the selected magnetic domain. After the selected magnetic domain has been accessed, the movement of the magnetic domains can be continued until one full period of movement has been completed, thereby restoring the original content of the magnetic column 502, with the bit information in the accessed magnetic domain either also restored or else rewritten to a new intended data state if so required by a desired cell write operation. Thus, the magnetic domains can be moved in whichever direction requires the fewest number of move operations to reach the selected magnetic domain, with one reader/writer pair (i.e., either first reader 506 a and first writer 508 a or second reader 506 b and second writer 508 b) activated at a time.

Similar to the devices 100-400 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the configuration of the device 500 illustrated in FIG. 5 advantageously eliminates or reduces the need for reservoirs, which add length to the magnetic columns in conventional magnetic shift register memory devices. This reduction in magnetic column length allows a greater number of magnetic domains to be moved along the magnetic column in a single move operation (i.e., by a single application of electrical current). Moreover, the device 500 confers the additional advantage of not requiring temporary memory to cache data. In addition, the device 500 minimizes movement of the magnetic domains, thereby reducing the power and time required for each access operation.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sixth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device 600, according to the present invention. As illustrated, the device 600 comprises a plurality of magnetic columns 602 a-602 c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “magnetic columns 602”, each containing a plurality of magnetic domains), a first reader 606 a, a second reader 606 b, a first writer 608 a, and a second writer 608 b.

The plurality of magnetic columns 602 is arranged in a chain configuration such that adjacent magnetic columns 602 are electrically connected along the wordline dimension of the device 600.

The first reader 606 a is positioned at a first end of the first magnetic column 602 a, while the first writer 608 a is positioned at an opposite second end of the first magnetic column 602 a. The second writer 608 b is positioned at a first end of the second magnetic column 602 b (i.e., laterally adjacent to the first reader 606 a), while the second reader 606 b is positioned at an opposite second end of the second magnetic column 602 b (i.e., laterally adjacent to the first writer 608 a). In this way, data can move up and down the magnetic columns 602 in an alternating manner (i.e., up one magnetic column, down the next magnetic column, etc.) while alternatively encountering readers and writers (i.e., a writer is encountered after a reader, and vice versa).

In operation, a selected magnetic domain is moved up the first magnetic column 602 a for access (i.e., moving toward the first reader 606 a), as indicated by the arrow 612 a. The first reader 606 a then reads the state of a selected magnetic domain before the selected magnetic domain is moved beyond the “available” position of the first magnetic column 602 a and is lost.

After the selected magnetic domain is accessed, the data is written to the first magnetic domain of the second magnetic column 602 b by the second writer 608 b (as illustrated by arrow 614) and moved down the second magnetic column 602 b for access (i.e., moving toward the second reader 606 b), as indicated by the arrow 612 b. Data read by a reader associated with the last magnetic column of the chain (i.e., the second reader 606 b in FIG. 6) is written back to the first magnetic domain of the first magnetic column 602 a, so that data flows through the chain of magnetic columns 602 in a substantially circular manner. After the selected magnetic domain has been accessed, the movement of the magnetic domains can be continued until one full period of movement has been completed, thereby restoring the original content of the magnetic column 602, with the bit information in the accessed magnetic domain either also restored or else rewritten to a new intended data state if so required by a desired cell write operation.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the device 600 is illustrated as comprising three magnetic columns 606 and two reader/writer pairs for the purposes of simplicity only. A magnetic shift register memory device configured according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 may comprise any number of magnetic columns and reader/writer pairs configured substantially as illustrated.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a seventh embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device 700, according to the present invention. As illustrated, the device 700 comprises a plurality of magnetic columns 702 a-702 c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “magnetic columns 702”, each containing a plurality of magnetic domains), a first reader 706 a, a second reader 706 b, a first writer 708 a, and a second writer 708 b.

The plurality of magnetic columns 702 is arranged in a chain configuration such that adjacent magnetic columns 702 are electrically connected along the wordline dimension of the device 700. In addition, a plurality of vias 716 a-716 b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “vias 716”) connects the plurality of magnetic columns 702.

The first reader 706 a is positioned at a first end of the first magnetic column 702 a, while the first writer 708 a is positioned at an opposite second end of the first magnetic column 702 a. The second reader 706 b is positioned at a first end of the second magnetic column 702 b (i.e., laterally adjacent to the first reader 706 a), while the second writer 708 b is positioned at an opposite second end of the second magnetic column 702 b (i.e., laterally adjacent to the first writer 708 a). In this way, data can move in the same direction (e.g., up) in each of the magnetic columns 702, while alternatively encountering readers and writers (i.e., a writer is encountered after a reader, and vice versa).

In operation, a selected magnetic domain is moved up the first magnetic column 702 a for access (i.e., moving toward the first reader 706 a), as indicated by the arrow 712 a. The first reader 706 a then reads the state of a selected magnetic domain before the selected magnetic domain is moved beyond the “available” position of the first magnetic column 702 a and is lost.

After the selected magnetic domain is accessed, the data is moved down the first via 716 a and written to the first magnetic domain of the second magnetic column 702 b by the second writer 708 b (as illustrated by arrow 714). The data is then moved up the second magnetic column 702 b for access (i.e., moving toward the second reader 706 b), as indicated by the arrow 712 b. Data read by a reader associated with the last magnetic column of the chain (i.e., the second reader 706 b in FIG. 7) is written back to the first magnetic domain of the first magnetic column 702 a, so that data flows through the chain of magnetic columns 702 in a substantially circular manner. After the selected magnetic domain has been accessed, the movement of the magnetic domains can be continued until one full period of movement has been completed, thereby restoring the original content of the magnetic column 702, with the bit information in the accessed magnetic domain either also restored or else rewritten to a new intended data state if so required by a desired cell write operation.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the device 700 is illustrated as comprising three magnetic columns 706 and two reader/writer pairs for the purposes of simplicity only. A magnetic shift register memory device configured according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 may comprise any number of magnetic columns and reader/writer pairs configured substantially as illustrated.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an eighth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device 800, according to the present invention. As illustrated, the device 800 comprises a plurality of magnetic columns 802 a-802 c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “magnetic columns 802”, each containing a plurality of magnetic domains), a first reader 806 a, a second reader 806 b, a first writer 808 a, and a second writer 808 b.

The plurality of magnetic columns 802 is arranged in a chain configuration such that adjacent magnetic columns 802 are electrically connected along the wordline dimension of the device 800. In addition, a plurality of vias 816 a-816 b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “vias 816”) connects the plurality of magnetic columns 802.

The first reader 806 a is positioned at a first end of the first magnetic column 802 a, while the first writer 808 a is positioned at an opposite second end of the first magnetic column 802 a. The second reader 806 b is positioned at a first end of the second magnetic column 802 b (i.e., laterally adjacent to the first reader 806 a), while the second writer 808 b is positioned at an opposite second end of the second magnetic column 802 b (i.e., laterally adjacent to the first writer 808 a). In this way, data can in the same direction (e.g., down) in each of the magnetic columns 802, while alternatively encountering readers and writers (i.e., a writer is encountered after a reader, and vice versa).

In operation, a selected magnetic domain is moved down the first magnetic column 802 a for access (i.e., moving toward the first reader 806 a), as indicated by the arrow 812 a. The first reader 806 a then reads the state of a selected magnetic domain before the selected magnetic domain is moved beyond the “available” position of the first magnetic column 802 a and is lost.

After the selected magnetic domain is accessed, the data is moved up the first via 816 a and written to the first magnetic domain of the second magnetic column 802 b by the second writer 808 b (as illustrated by arrow 814). The data is then moved down the second magnetic column 802 b for access (i.e., moving toward the second reader 806 b), as indicated by the arrow 812 b. Data read by a reader associated with the last magnetic column of the chain (i.e., the second reader 806 b in FIG. 8) is written back to the first magnetic domain of the first magnetic column 802 a, so that data flows through the chain of magnetic columns 802 in a substantially circular manner. After the selected magnetic domain has been accessed, the movement of the magnetic domains can be continued until one full period of movement has been completed, thereby restoring the original content of the magnetic column 802, with the bit information in the accessed magnetic domain either also restored or else rewritten to a new intended data state if so required by a desired cell write operation.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the device 800 is illustrated as comprising three magnetic columns 806 and two reader/writer pairs for the purposes of simplicity only. A magnetic shift register memory device configured according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 may comprise any number of magnetic columns and reader/writer pairs configured substantially as illustrated.

Similar to the devices 100-500 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the configuration of the devices 600-800 illustrated in FIGS. 6-8 advantageously eliminates or reduces the need for reservoirs, which add length to the magnetic columns in conventional magnetic shift register memory devices. This reduction in magnetic column length allows a greater number of magnetic domains to be moved along the magnetic column in a single move operation (i.e., by a single application of electrical current). Additionally, configuring the magnetic columns as a chain allows for continuous movement of magnetic domains along the chain, thereby eliminating the need for a semiconductor device similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 to control domain movement. Moreover, the devices 300-800 confer the additional advantage of not requiring temporary memory to cache data. In addition, the devices 600-800 allow for sharing of move operations (i.e., applied electrical currents) and among a large number of magnetic columns. Furthermore, as compared with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the devices 700-800 place all readers 706, 806 at one end of the magnetic columns 702, 802 and all writers 708, 808 at the opposite end of the magnetic columns 702, 802, thereby reducing the complexity (and cost) of fabricating the magnetic shift register memory.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a ninth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device 900, according to the present invention. As illustrated, the device 900 comprises a plurality of magnetic columns 902 a-902 c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “magnetic columns 902”, each containing a plurality of magnetic domains), a first reader 906 a, a second reader 906 b, a third reader 906, a fourth reader 906 d, a first writer 908 a, a second writer 908 b, a third writer 908 c, and a fourth writer 908 d.

The plurality of magnetic columns 902 is arranged in a chain configuration such that adjacent magnetic columns 902 are electrically connected along the wordline dimension of the device 900.

The first reader 906 a and first writer 908 a are positioned at a first end of the first magnetic column 902 a, while the second reader 906 b and the second writer 908 b are positioned at an opposite second end of the first magnetic column 902 a. Similarly, the third reader 906 c and the third writer 908 c are positioned at a first end of the second magnetic column 902 b, while the fourth reader 906 d and the fourth writer 908 d are positioned at an opposite second end of the second magnetic column 902 b. Thus, each magnetic column 902 has a reader/writer pair positioned at each end. In this way, data can move not only up and down the magnetic columns 902 in an alternating manner (i.e., up one magnetic column, down the next magnetic column, etc.) while alternatively encountering readers and writers (i.e., a writer is encountered after a reader, and vice versa), but domains can be moved in either direction (i.e., up or down) in each magnetic column 902.

In operation, a selected magnetic domain is moved up or down the first magnetic column 902 a for access (i.e., moving toward the first reader 906 a or the second reader 906 b), as indicated by the arrow 912 a. Specifically, the selected magnetic domain is moved in whichever direction requires the least number of movements to move the selected magnetic domain into an accessible position, with one reader/writer pair activated. The first reader 906 a or second reader 906 b then reads the state of a selected magnetic domain before the selected magnetic domain is moved beyond the “available” position of the first magnetic column 902 a and is lost.

After the selected magnetic domain is accessed, the direction of movement is reversed, and the data is written to the first magnetic domain of the adjacent magnetic column 902 by the writer of the next reader/writer pair. For instance, if the selected magnetic domain was moved toward the second reader 906 b for access, the data from the selected magnetic domain will be written to the first magnetic domain of the second magnetic column 902 b by the third writer 908 c (as illustrated by arrow 914). The data is then moved down the second magnetic column 902 b for access (i.e., moving toward the fourth reader 906 d), as indicated by the arrow 912 b.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the device 900 is illustrated as comprising three magnetic columns 906 and four reader/writer pairs for the purposes of simplicity only. A magnetic shift register memory device configured according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 may comprise any number of magnetic columns and reader/writer pairs configured substantially as illustrated.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a tenth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device 1000, according to the present invention. As illustrated, the device 1000 comprises a plurality of magnetic columns 1002 a-1002 c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “magnetic columns 1002”, each containing a plurality of magnetic domains), a first reader 1006 a, a second reader 1006 b, a third reader 1006, a fourth reader 1006 d, a first writer 1008 a, a second writer 1008 b, a third writer 1008 c, and a fourth writer 1008 d.

The plurality of magnetic columns 1002 is arranged in a chain configuration such that adjacent magnetic columns 1002 are electrically connected along the wordline dimension of the device 1000. In addition, a plurality of vias 1016 a-1016 b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “vias 1016”) connects the plurality of magnetic columns 1002.

The first reader 1006 a and first writer 1008 a are positioned at a first end of the first magnetic column 1002 a, while the second reader 1006 b and the second writer 1008 b are positioned at an opposite second end of the first magnetic column 1002 a. Similarly, the third reader 1006 c and the third writer 1008 c are positioned at a first end of the second magnetic column 1002 b, while the fourth reader 1006 d and the fourth writer 1008 d are positioned at an opposite second end of the second magnetic column 1002 b. Thus, each magnetic column 1002 has a reader/writer pair positioned at each end. In this way, data can move not only up and down the magnetic columns 1002 in an alternating manner (i.e., up one magnetic column, down the next magnetic column, etc.) while alternatively encountering readers and writers (i.e., a writer is encountered after a reader, and vice versa), but domains can be moved in either direction (i.e., up or down) in each magnetic column 1002.

In operation, a selected magnetic domain is moved up or down the first magnetic column 1002 a for access (i.e., moving toward the first reader 1006 a or the second reader 1006 b), as indicated by the arrow 1012 a. Specifically, the selected magnetic domain is moved in whichever direction requires the least number of movements to move the selected magnetic domain into an accessible position, with one reader/writer pair activated. The first reader 1006 a or second reader 1006 b then reads the state of a selected magnetic domain before the selected magnetic domain is moved beyond the “available” position of the first magnetic column 1002 a and is lost.

After the selected magnetic domain is accessed, the direction of movement is reversed, and the data travels up or down the first via 1016 a and is written to the first magnetic domain of the adjacent magnetic column 1002 by the writer of the next reader/writer pair. For instance, if the selected magnetic domain was moved toward the second reader 1006 b for access, the data from the selected magnetic domain will move down the first via 1016 a and be written to the first magnetic domain of the second magnetic column 1002 b by the third writer 1008 c (as illustrated by arrow 1014). The data is then moved up or down the second magnetic column 1002 b for access (i.e., moving toward the third reader 1006 c or the fourth reader 1006 d), as indicated by the arrow 1012 b.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the device 1000 is illustrated as comprising three magnetic columns 1006 and four reader/writer pairs for the purposes of simplicity only. A magnetic shift register memory device configured according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 may comprise any number of magnetic columns and reader/writer pairs configured substantially as illustrated.

Similar to the devices 100-800 illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, the configuration of the devices 900-1000 illustrated in FIGS. 9-10 advantageously eliminates or reduces the need for reservoirs, which add length to the magnetic columns in conventional magnetic shift register memory devices. This reduction in magnetic column length allows a greater number of magnetic domains to be moved along the magnetic column in a single move operation (i.e., by a single application of electrical current). Additionally, configuring the magnetic columns as a chain allows for continuous movement of magnetic domains along the chain, thereby eliminating the need for a semiconductor device similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 to control domain movement. Moreover, the devices 900-1000 confer the additional advantage of not requiring temporary memory to cache data. In addition, the devices 900-1000 minimize movement of the magnetic domains, thereby reducing the power and time required for each access operation.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an eleventh embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device 1100, according to the present invention. As illustrated, the device 1100 comprises a plurality of magnetic columns 1102 a-1102 c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “magnetic columns 1102”, each containing a plurality of magnetic domains), a first reader 1106 a, a second reader 1106 b, a first writer 1108 a, a second writer 1108 b, and a temporary memory (e.g., cache memory) 1104.

The plurality of magnetic columns 1102 is arranged in a chain configuration such that adjacent magnetic columns 1102 are electrically connected along the wordline dimension of the device 1100.

The first reader 1106 a and first writer 1108 a are positioned at a first end of the first magnetic column 1102 a, while the second reader 1106 b and the second writer 1108 b are positioned at an opposite second end of the second magnetic column 1102 b. Thus, each magnetic column 1102 has a reader/writer pair positioned at either its first end or its second end.

To access a particular magnetic domain in any of the magnetic columns 1102, the entire chain of magnetic columns 1102 must be moved. It is most efficient to access at least some of the magnetic domains from several of the magnetic columns 1102 in parallel. As an example, consider access of a single magnetic domain.

During the domain movement, the data from the magnetic domains ahead of the selected magnetic domain is read by the first reader 1106 a and stored in the temporary memory 1104, before the magnetic domains are moved beyond the available position on the magnetic column. This operation is performed for all of the magnetic columns 1102 in the chain of magnetic columns 1102. The temporary memory 1104 is of equal or greater capacity than the sum of the chain of magnetic columns 1102.

After the selected magnetic domain is accessed, the direction of movement is reversed (i.e., away from the first reader 1106 a), and the data travels down the first magnetic column 1102 a, where the data is written back from the temporary memory 1104 onto the first magnetic column 1102 a by the first writer 1108 a, thereby restoring the original content of the first magnetic column 1102 a, with the bit information in the accessed magnetic domain either also restored or else rewritten to a new intended data state if so required by a desired cell write operation. At the same time, data for other magnetic columns 1102 will also be restored in the same manner.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the device 1100 is illustrated as comprising three magnetic columns 1106 and two reader/writer pairs for the purposes of simplicity only. A magnetic shift register memory device configured according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 may comprise any number of magnetic columns and reader/writer pairs configured substantially as illustrated.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a twelfth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device 1200, according to the present invention. As illustrated, the device 1200 comprises a plurality of magnetic columns 1202 a-1202 c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “magnetic columns 1202”, each containing a plurality of magnetic domains), a first reader 1206 a, a second reader 1206 b, a first writer 1208 a, a second writer 1208 b, and a temporary memory (e.g., cache memory) 1204.

The plurality of magnetic columns 1202 is arranged in a chain configuration such that adjacent magnetic columns 1202 are electrically connected along the wordline dimension of the device 1200. In addition, a plurality of vias 1216 a-1216 b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “vias 1216”) connects the plurality of magnetic columns 1202.

The first reader 1206 a and first writer 1208 a are positioned at a first end of the first magnetic column 1202 a, while the second reader 1206 b and the second writer 1208 b are positioned at a laterally adjacent first end of the second magnetic column 1202 b. Thus, each magnetic column 1202 has a reader/writer pair positioned at its first end.

To access a particular magnetic domain in any of the magnetic columns 1202, the entire chain of magnetic columns 1202 must be moved. It is most efficient to access at least some of the magnetic domains from several of the magnetic columns 1202 in parallel. As an example, consider access of a single magnetic domain.

During the domain movement, the data from the magnetic domains ahead of the selected magnetic domain is read by the first reader 1206 a and stored in the temporary memory 1204, before the magnetic domains are moved beyond the available position on the magnetic column. This operation is performed for all of the magnetic columns 1202 in the chain of magnetic columns 1202. The temporary memory 1204 is of equal or greater capacity than the sum of the chain of magnetic columns 1202.

After the selected magnetic domain is accessed, the direction of movement is reversed (i.e., away from the first reader 1206 a), and the data travels down the first magnetic column 1202 a, where the data is written back from the temporary memory 1204 onto the first magnetic column 1202 a by the first writer 1208 a, thereby restoring the original content of the first magnetic column 1202 a, with the bit information in the accessed magnetic domain either also restored or else rewritten to a new intended data state if so required by a desired cell write operation. At the same time, data for other magnetic columns 1202 will also be restored in the same manner.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the device 1200 is illustrated as comprising three magnetic columns 1206 and two reader/writer pairs for the purposes of simplicity only. A magnetic shift register memory device configured according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 may comprise any number of magnetic columns and reader/writer pairs configured substantially as illustrated.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a thirteenth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device 1300, according to the present invention. As illustrated, the device 1300 comprises a plurality of magnetic columns 1302 a-1302 c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “magnetic columns 1302”, each containing a plurality of magnetic domains), a first reader 1306 a, a second reader 1306 b, a first writer 1308 a, a second writer 1308 b, and a temporary memory (e.g., cache memory) 1304.

The plurality of magnetic columns 1302 is arranged in a chain configuration such that adjacent magnetic columns 1302 are electrically connected along the wordline dimension of the device 1300. In addition, a plurality of vias 1316 a-1316 b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “vias 1316”) connects the plurality of magnetic columns 1302.

The first reader 1306 a and first writer 1308 a are positioned at a first end of the first magnetic column 1302 a, while the second reader 1306 b and the second writer 1308 b are positioned at a laterally adjacent first end of the second magnetic column 1302 b. Thus, each magnetic column 1302 has a reader/writer pair positioned at either its first end or its second end.

To access a particular magnetic domain in any of the magnetic columns 1302, the entire chain of magnetic columns 1302 must be moved. It is most efficient to access at least some of the magnetic domains from several of the magnetic columns 1302 in parallel. As an example, consider access of a single magnetic domain.

During the domain movement, the data from the magnetic domains ahead of the selected magnetic domain is read by the first reader 1306 a and stored in the temporary memory 1304, before the magnetic domains are moved beyond the available position on the magnetic column. This operation is performed for all of the magnetic columns 1302 in the chain of magnetic columns 1302. The temporary memory 1304 is of equal or greater capacity than the sum of the chain of magnetic columns 1302.

After the selected magnetic domain is accessed, the direction of movement is reversed (i.e., away from the first reader 1306 a), and the data travels up the first magnetic column 1302 a, where the data is written back from the temporary memory 1304 to the first magnetic domain of the second magnetic column 1302 b by the second writer 1308 b, thereby restoring the original content of the first magnetic column 1302 a, with the bit information in the accessed magnetic domain either also restored or else rewritten to a new intended data state if so required by a desired cell write operation. At the same time, data for other magnetic columns 1302 will also be restored in the same manner.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the device 1300 is illustrated as comprising three magnetic columns 1306 and two reader/writer pairs for the purposes of simplicity only. A magnetic shift register memory device configured according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13 may comprise any number of magnetic columns and reader/writer pairs configured substantially as illustrated.

Similar to the devices 100-1000 illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, the configuration of the devices 1100-1300 illustrated in FIGS. 11-13 advantageously eliminates or reduces the need for reservoirs, which add length to the magnetic columns in conventional magnetic shift register memory devices. This reduction in magnetic column length allows a greater number of magnetic domains to be moved along the magnetic column in a single move operation (i.e., by a single application of electrical current). Additionally, configuring the magnetic columns as a chain allows for continuous movement of magnetic domains along the chain, thereby eliminating the need for a semiconductor device similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 to control domain movement.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fourteenth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device 1400, according to the present invention. As illustrated, the device 1400 comprises a plurality of magnetic columns 1402 a-1402 c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “magnetic columns 1402”, each containing a plurality of magnetic domains), a first reader 1406 a, a second reader 1406 b, a first writer 1408 a, and a second writer 1408 b.

The plurality of magnetic columns 1402 is arranged in a chain configuration such that adjacent magnetic columns 1402 are electrically connected along the wordline dimension of the device 1400. In addition, each magnetic column 1402 includes at least one “dummy” domain 1418 a-1418 c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “dummy domains 1418”) that prevents writing of nondummy magnetic domains.

The first reader 1406 a and first writer 1408 a are positioned at a first end of the first magnetic column 1402 a, while the second reader 1406 b and the second writer 1408 b are positioned at an opposite second end of the second magnetic column 1402 b. Thus, each magnetic column 1402 has a reader/writer pair positioned at either its first end or its second end. In one embodiment, a magnetic column 1402's respective dummy domain 1418 is also positioned at the same end of the magnetic column 1402 as the reader/writer pair (e.g., such that the dummy domain 1418 is adjacent to the writer 1408).

To access a particular magnetic domain in any of the magnetic columns 1402, the entire chain of magnetic columns 1402 must be moved. It is most efficient to access at least some of the magnetic domains from several of the magnetic columns 1402 in parallel. As an example, consider access of a single magnetic domain:

During the domain movement, the data from the magnetic domains ahead of the selected magnetic domain is read by the first reader 1406 a and stored in the temporary memory 1404. This operation is performed for all of the magnetic columns 1402 in the chain of magnetic columns 1402. The temporary memory 1404 is of equal or greater capacity than the sum of the chain of magnetic columns 1402.

In addition to the magnetic columns 1402 illustrated, a plurality of identical chains is repeated in the bit-line direction (i.e., out of the page). When the selected chain of magnetic columns 1402 is accessed for writing, the magnetic domains in all of the other chains of magnetic columns 1402 remain in position, such that the writers 1408 are adjacent to the dummy domains 1418. This allows the writers 1408 to be shared by multiple chains of magnetic columns and reduces the cost of the magnetic shift register memory device 1400.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fifteenth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device 1500, according to the present invention. As illustrated, the device 1500 comprises a plurality of magnetic columns 1502 a-1502 c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “magnetic columns 1502”, each containing a plurality of magnetic domains), a first reader 1506 a, a second reader 1506 b, a first writer 1508 a, and a second writer 1508 b.

The plurality of magnetic columns 1502 is arranged in a chain configuration such that adjacent magnetic columns 1502 are electrically connected along the wordline dimension of the device 1500. In addition, a plurality of vias 1516 a-1516 b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “vias 1516”) connects the plurality of magnetic columns 1502. Each magnetic column 1502 also includes at least one “dummy” domain 1518 a-1518 c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “dummy domains 1518”).

The first reader 1506 a and first writer 1508 a are positioned at a first end of the first magnetic column 1502 a, while the second reader 1506 b and the second writer 1508 b are positioned at an adjacent first end of the second magnetic column 1502 b. Thus, each magnetic column 1502 has a reader/writer pair positioned at its first end. In one embodiment, a magnetic column 1502's respective dummy domain 1518 is also positioned at the first end the magnetic column 1502 (e.g., such that the dummy domain 1518 is adjacent to the writer 1508).

To access a particular magnetic domain in any of the magnetic columns 1502, the entire chain of magnetic columns 1502 must be moved. It is most efficient to access at least some of the magnetic domains from several of the magnetic columns 1502 in parallel. As an example, consider access of a single magnetic domain:

During the domain movement, the data from the magnetic domains ahead of the selected magnetic domain is read by the first reader 1506 a and stored in the temporary memory 1504. This operation is performed for all of the magnetic columns 1502 in the chain of magnetic columns 1502. The temporary memory 1504 is of equal or greater capacity than the sum of the chain of magnetic columns 1502.

In addition to the magnetic columns 1502 illustrated, a plurality of identical chains is repeated in the bit-line direction (i.e., out of the page). When the selected chain of magnetic columns 1502 is accessed for writing, the magnetic domains in all of the other chains of magnetic columns 1502 remain in position, such that the writers 1508 are adjacent to the dummy domains 1518. This allows the writers 1508 to be shared by multiple chains of magnetic columns and reduces the cost of the magnetic shift register memory device 1500.

Similar to the devices 100-1300 illustrated in FIGS. 1-13, the configuration of the devices 1400-1500 illustrated in FIGS. 14-15 advantageously eliminates or reduces the need for reservoirs, which add length to the magnetic columns in conventional magnetic shift register memory devices. This reduction in magnetic column length allows a greater number of magnetic domains to be moved along the magnetic column in a single move operation (i.e., by a single application of electrical current). Additionally, configuring the magnetic columns as a chain allows for continuous movement of magnetic domains along the chain, thereby eliminating the need for a semiconductor device similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 to control domain movement. Moreover, because other magnetic columns (i.e., other than the magnetic column in which the selected magnetic domain resides) remain in the “dummy” position during write operations, the semiconductor device that controls the writing can be shared by the plurality of magnetic columns, thereby reducing the size and fabrication cost of the device 1400 or 1500. Only a small semiconductor device is required for the reader; controls for writing and domain movement are shared.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the devices 1400 and 1500 are illustrated as comprising three magnetic columns and two reader/writer pairs for the purposes of simplicity only. A magnetic shift register memory device configured according to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 may comprise any number of magnetic columns and reader/writer pairs configured substantially as illustrated.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sixteenth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device 1600, according to the present invention. As illustrated, the device 1600 comprises a plurality of magnetic columns 1602 a-1602 c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “magnetic columns 1602”, each containing a plurality of magnetic domains), a first reader 1606 a, a second reader 1606 b, a first writer 1608 a, and a second writer 1608 b.

The plurality of magnetic columns 1602 is arranged in a chain configuration such that adjacent magnetic columns 1602 are electrically connected along the wordline dimension of the device 1600. Each magnetic column 1602 includes at least one “dummy” domain 1618 a-1618 c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “dummy domains 1618”) and at least one reservoir 1620 a-1620 c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “reservoirs 1620”).

The first reader 1606 a and first writer 1608 a are positioned near the middle of the first magnetic column 1602 a, while the second reader 1606 b and the second writer 1608 b are positioned near the middle of the second magnetic column 1602 b. Thus, each magnetic column 1602 has a reader/writer pair at an intermediate position. In one embodiment, a magnetic column 1602's respective dummy domain 1618 is also positioned near the middle of the magnetic column 1602 (e.g., such that the dummy domain 1618 is adjacent to the writer 1608).

The reservoir 1620 for a given magnetic column 1602 is positioned either above or below the dummy domain 1618 and reader/writer pair. While moving through the chain of magnetic columns, reservoirs 1620 are generally positioned between a series of magnetic domains containing data (e.g., non-“dummy” domains) and a dummy domain 1618.

To access a particular magnetic domain in any of the magnetic columns 1602, the entire chain of magnetic columns 1602 must be moved. It is most efficient to access at least some of the magnetic domains from several of the magnetic columns 1602 in parallel. As an example, consider access of a single magnetic domain:

In addition to the magnetic columns 1602 illustrated, a plurality of identical chains is repeated in the bit-line direction (i.e., out of the page). When the selected chain of magnetic columns 1602 is accessed for writing, the magnetic domains in all of the other chains of magnetic columns 1602 remain in position, such that the writers 1608 are adjacent to the dummy domains 1618. This allows the writers 1608 to be shared by multiple chains of magnetic columns and reduces the cost of the magnetic shift register memory device 1600.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a seventeenth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device 1700, according to the present invention. As illustrated, the device 1700 comprises a plurality of magnetic columns 1702 a-1702 c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “magnetic columns 1702”, each containing a plurality of magnetic domains), a first reader 1706 a, a second reader 1706 b, a first writer 1708 a, and a second writer 1708 b.

The plurality of magnetic columns 1702 is arranged in a chain configuration such that adjacent magnetic columns 1702 are electrically connected along the wordline dimension of the device 1700. In addition, a plurality of vias 1716 a-1716 b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “vias 1716”) connects the plurality of magnetic columns 1702. Each magnetic column 1702 also includes at least one “dummy” domain 1718 a-1718 c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “dummy domains 1718”).

The first reader 1706 a and first writer 1708 a are positioned near the middle of the first magnetic column 1702 a, while the second reader 1706 b and the second writer 1708 b are positioned near the middle of the second magnetic column 1702 b. Thus, each magnetic column 1702 has a reader/writer pair at an intermediate position. In one embodiment, a magnetic column 1702's respective dummy domain 1718 is also positioned near the middle of the magnetic column 1702 (e.g., such that the dummy domain 1718 is adjacent to the writer 1708).

The reservoir 1720 for a given magnetic column 1702 is positioned below the dummy domain 1718 and reader/writer pair. While moving through the chain of magnetic columns, reservoirs 1720 are generally positioned between a via 1716 and a dummy domain 1718.

To access a particular magnetic domain in any of the magnetic columns 1702, the entire chain of magnetic columns 1702 must be moved. It is most efficient to access at least some of the magnetic domains from several of the magnetic columns 1702 in parallel. As an example, consider access of a single magnetic domain:

In addition to the magnetic columns 1702 illustrated, a plurality of identical chains is repeated in the bit-line direction (i.e., out of the page). When the selected chain of magnetic columns 1702 is accessed for writing, the magnetic domains in all of the other chains of magnetic columns 1702 remain in position, such that the writers 1708 are adjacent to the dummy domains 1718. This allows the writers 1708 to be shared by multiple chains of magnetic columns and reduces the cost of the magnetic shift register memory device.

Similar to the devices 1400-1500 illustrated in FIGS. 14-15, the configuration of the devices 1600-1700 illustrated in FIGS. 16-17 advantageously reduces the size and fabrication cost of a magnetic shift register memory device, because other magnetic columns (i.e., other than the magnetic column in which the selected magnetic domain resides) remain in the “dummy” position during write operations, the semiconductor device that controls the writing can be shared by the plurality of magnetic columns, thereby. Only a small semiconductor device is required for the reader; controls for writing and domain movement are shared. Additionally, configuring the magnetic columns as a chain allows for continuous movement of magnetic domains along the chain, thereby eliminating the need for a semiconductor device similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 to control domain movement.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the devices 1600 and 1700 are illustrated as comprising three magnetic columns and two reader/writer pairs for the purposes of simplicity only. A magnetic shift register memory device configured according to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 may comprise any number of magnetic columns and reader/writer pairs configured substantially as illustrated. In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that any of the magnetic shift register memory devices illustrated in FIGS. 1-13 can be adapted to include the dummy domain, reservoirs, and/or associated functionality.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating an eighteenth embodiment of a magnetic shift register memory device 1800, according to the present invention. As illustrated, the device 1800 comprises a plurality of magnetic columns 1802 a-1802 c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “magnetic columns 1802”, each containing a plurality of magnetic domains), a first reader 1806 a, a second reader 1806 b, a first writer 1808 a, a second writer 1808 b, a first semiconductor device 1810 a, a second semiconductor device 1810 b, and a third semiconductor device 1810 c. Each magnetic column 1802 further includes at least one “dummy” domain 1818 a-1818 c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “dummy domains 1818”) and at least one reservoir 1820 a-1820 c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “reservoirs 1820”).

The first reader 1806 a and first writer 1808 a are positioned near the middle of the first magnetic column 1802 a, while the second reader 1806 b and the second writer 1808 b are positioned near the middle of the second magnetic column 1802 b. Thus, each magnetic column 1802 has a reader/writer pair at an intermediate position. In one embodiment, a magnetic column 1802's respective dummy domain 1818 is also positioned near the middle of the magnetic column 1802 (e.g., such that the dummy domain 1818 is adjacent to the writer 1808).

The reservoir 1820 for a given magnetic column 1802 is positioned below the dummy domain 1818 and reader/writer pair. Generally, reservoirs 1820 are positioned between the dummy domain 1818 and the semiconductor device 1810 that controls domain movement in a given magnetic column 1802.

In addition to the magnetic columns 1802 illustrated, a plurality of identical chains is repeated in the bit-line direction (i.e., out of the page). When the selected chain of magnetic columns 1802 is accessed for writing, the magnetic domains in all of the other chains of magnetic columns 1802 remain in position, such that the writers 1808 are adjacent to the dummy domains 1818. This allows the writers 1808 to be shared by multiple chains of magnetic columns and reduces the cost of the magnetic shift register memory device.

Similar to the devices 1400-1700 illustrated in FIGS. 14-17, the configuration of the device 1800 illustrated in FIG. 18 advantageously reduces the size and fabrication cost of a magnetic shift register memory device, because other magnetic columns (i.e., other than the magnetic column in which the selected magnetic domain resides) remain in the “dummy” position during write operations, the semiconductor device that controls the writing can be shared by the plurality of magnetic columns, thereby. Only a small semiconductor device is required for the reader; controls for writing and domain movement are shared.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. Various embodiments presented herein, or portions thereof, may be combined to create further embodiments. Furthermore, terms such as top, side, bottom, front, back, and the like are relative or positional terms and are used with respect to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures, and as such these terms may be interchangeable. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A memory cell, comprising: at least one magnetic column comprising a plurality of magnetic domains; and at least one dummy domain within the plurality of magnetic domains, wherein the at least one dummy domain prevents writing of those of the plurality of magnetic domains that are not dummy domains.
 2. The memory cell of claim 1, wherein the dummy domain contains no data.
 3. The memory cell of claim 1, further comprising a write wire positioned at one end of the plurality of magnetic domains.
 4. The memory cell of claim 1, further comprising a write wire positioned near a middle of the at least one magnetic column.
 5. The memory cell of claim 1, further comprising: at least one reservoir within the at least one magnetic column.
 6. The memory cell of claim 5, wherein the at least one reservoir is positioned between the at least one dummy domain and a data-containing domain of the plurality of magnetic domains.
 7. The memory cell of claim 1, wherein the at least one magnetic column comprises: a plurality of magnetic columns arranged in a chain configuration along a wordline dimension of the memory cell.
 8. The memory cell of claim 1, wherein the memory cell comprises an array of memory cells, the array of memory cells sharing at least one writer.
 9. The memory cell of claim 1, wherein at least one reader is positioned adjacent to the at least one dummy domain.
 10. The memory cell of claim 1, wherein at least one writer is positioned adjacent to the at least one dummy domain.
 11. The memory cell of claim 1, wherein the at least one dummy domain is positioned at a first end of the plurality of magnetic domains.
 12. The memory cell of claim 1, wherein the at least one dummy domain is positioned at the second end of the plurality of magnetic domains.
 13. The memory cell of claim 1, wherein the at least one dummy domain is positioned between a first end and a second end of the plurality of magnetic domains.
 14. The memory cell of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of vias connecting the plurality of magnetic domains.
 15. The memory cell of claim 1, further comprising: a temporary memory.
 16. The memory cell of claim 15, wherein a storage capacity of the temporary memory is at least equal to a collective storage capacity of the at least one magnetic column.
 17. The memory cell of claim 1, further comprising: at least one writer coupled to the at least one magnetic column and shared with at least one other magnetic column.
 18. A memory cell, comprising: a first chain of magnetic columns; and a second chain of magnetic columns oriented in a bit-line direction relative to the first chain of magnetic columns, wherein at least one of the first chain of magnetic columns and the second chain of magnetic columns comprises: a magnetic column comprising a plurality of magnetic domains; a dummy domain within the plurality of magnetic domains, wherein the dummy domain prevents writing of those of the plurality of magnetic domains that are not dummy domains.
 19. The memory cell of claim 18, wherein the dummy domain contains no data.
 20. The memory cell of claim 18, further comprising: a plurality of vias connecting the plurality of magnetic domains. 